feudalism Definition
- 1a social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages, in which people received protection and land from a lord when they worked and fought for him
- 2a political and economic system of Japan from the 12th to the late 19th century, based on the holding of land by lords and vassals in return for loyalty and military service to the king or shogun
Using feudalism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "feudalism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Feudalism was the dominant social system in medieval Europe.
Example
The samurai were part of the feudalism system in Japan.
Example
Feudalism was characterized by a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.
Example
The decline of feudalism led to the rise of capitalism.
feudalism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for feudalism
- feudal system
- feudal society
- feudal order
Phrases with feudalism
a noble who held land from the king or another higher-ranking lord and granted land to vassals in return for military service and loyalty
Example
The feudal lord granted land to his vassals in exchange for their loyalty and military service.
a social and economic system in which landowners granted land to tenants in return for their labor and military service
Example
The feudal system was characterized by a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.
feudal obligations
the duties and responsibilities that a vassal owed to his lord in return for land and protection
Example
The vassal had to fulfill his feudal obligations to his lord, including military service and paying taxes.
Origins of feudalism
from Medieval Latin 'feudalis', meaning 'of a fief'
Summary: feudalism in Brief
Feudalism [ˈfjuːdəlɪzəm] was a social and economic system that existed in medieval Europe and Japan. It involved a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs, where people received land and protection from a lord in return for working and fighting for him. The feudal system was characterized by feudal obligations, such as military service and taxes. The decline of feudalism led to the rise of capitalism.
